On Thanksgiving night, the fret begins.
“What do you want for Christmas? I need a list.“
Black Friday deal or not, those items are bought.
And then presented to the author of said list,
who exclaims, “Oh, wow, how did you know?“
What if the system were changed?
As in, we give in the form of care?
Or, in a way that is sure to create joy;
the kind born of truly knowing thy recipient.
Homemade cookies for the lover of baked goods.
A theater gift card to a movie-goer.
Massage oils for an athlete.
Meet a socialite java junkie for coffee.
Pears for the guy that complains of constipation.
Just the right book for a bibliophile.
Help with a DIY project for the rehabber.
Artwork for a cultured soul.
A round of golf for a linksman.
The best gifts given, I believe,
stem from attentiveness.
Shall we give it a whirl?
And not ask for anything at all?
Exchanged gifts would then become a perk,
instead of a list-giving system somewhat berserk.
And truly, presence over presents is the ultimate haul!
I get it though; the big picture.
I am a giver and like to please.
So, if you don’t think I’ll figure it out,
hand over the list – spare me the doubt.
AND, the above system simply will not work
with young lads, teens and ingrates.
Because their expectations and whims change by day,
and not meeting them would be risqué.
Kristine Joy, Writer 
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